Opinion split over football sectarianism act’s future

Equalities groups are split on proposals to repeal a contentious law aimed at tackling sectarianism at football and online abuse.

Labour’s James Kelly has lodged a Member’s Bill to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act, claiming it has “broken down trust between fans and police”.

The Scottish Government used its majority to introduce the law in 2012.

It has since faced criticism from political opponents and legal figures before suffering a symbolic defeat last year when Tory, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green MSPS backed a motion calling for its repeal.

Supporters of the legislation claim it deters people from offensive behaviour such as singing sectarian songs.

Representatives from LGBT rights group Stonewall Scotland, the Scottish Disabled Supporters’ Association (SDSA) and community justice organisation Sacro backed postponing any reform of the act until the outcome of an ongoing independent hate crime review as they gave evidence to Holyrood’s Justice committee.

But Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) policy officer Danny Boyle told the committee the law should be repealed “immediately”, citing concerns over human rights.